2026 Destash: Time to Purge the Urge of Keeping Clutter

[Simba's Mom]

I signed up for 2 on-line lectures on decluttering this week, both free-one on Road Scholar, one thru AARP. So hopefully by the end of the week I'll at least have some sort of a plan-I don't know if I'll be as organized as you, ariel 1025!

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

My goal is 365 items. On Jan 2nd eliminated 50 items, so 315 left.

Today eliminated 37 more items:
3 pairs shoes - trash
3 expired boxes of TheraFlu - trash
27 folders of misc paper - recycled
1 bike helmet - trash
1 pair pants - trash
2 boxes - recycled (now I don't count shipping boxes as those come in the house then leave, this was boxes deliberatly put into my closet from when electronics were purchased years ago).

278 items to go. I think I'm going to up my goal to 500 now as we haven't even started cleaning some areas I want to clean. So strike the 278 items to go, now with the new goal 413 more to go.

 

[mamaanna]

Older daughter and I cleaned out my car this weekend. Took out the car seats, vaccumed and everything! It's like a new car lol

Last week we cleared out some books from her room to give to younger daughter, and more books to send on to goodwill - from both their rooms. I put a dress in the box that I haven't worn in a while and I didn't really like. It was great for maternity and nursing, but it's not super flattering on me so, bye bye! I need to get rid of more clothes that I'm holding onto and haven't worn in a while or won't wear again - I'm looking at you, maternity clothes.

 

[firefly_ris]

Already cleared out 4 garbage bags of kids clothes, 2 cardboard boxes of books, a box of random home decor items, a 50 gallon fish tank light and a couple of other random things I can't remember now. Combination of gave to friends (kids clothes and books), and Goodwill drop-off.

We run through the basement storage room and garage routinely every 3 months to review and purge. Good way to keep on top of things. I also go through all drawers in the kitchen, end tables, entryway table, night stands every couple of months as well. It's too easy to toss random "I'll deal with this later" items in those places.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I don't have a specific number goal, but I'm here for the inspiration!

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

I don't have a specific number goal, but I'm here for the inspiration!

That's me too. I don't have a specific goal. I just want to sell some stuff and use the money to pay off some debt.

 

[AquaDame]

The idea I can sell things on eBay is what has kept me frozen in place... how do y'all decide what is worth the effort and not? Many of the items aren't on eBay to check past listings.

 

[ariel1025]

The idea I can sell things on eBay is what has kept me frozen in place... how do y'all decide what is worth the effort and not? Many of the items aren't on eBay to check past listings.

I sell often on eBay and here are my deciding factors.

1. I know this doesn't apply as you already stated most of your items aren't on eBay to check past listings. But the first thing I always do is check current comps to determine if the possible earnings are worth it.

2. How difficult will it be to ship? I personally don't want the stress of dealing with a super fragile item unless it's something I know will bring in a substantial amount of money. The exception to this is if it has its original box with the original stuffing/sytrofoam etc so that it's minimal chance of being damaged in shipping.

3. What's the overall condition? If it doesn't appear to be in like new/near perfect condition then I most often will not list. With clothing pieces and bags/purses, if they don't go on eBay I take them to Plato's Closet/Buffalo Exchange to see if they'll buy them. It's minimal (average $3/item in my experience) but it's better than nothing. If they won't buy it I take it immediately to thrift donation of some sort.

It will be different for everyone, but in my experience I've had the most success selling Disney items (ears, Loungefly bags, clothes, pins, ornaments), men's jeans, coats/jackets and shoes.

Good luck!!